Delay in granting statehood to J&K has left people without a legitimate voice: Congress

Jammu, June 29: JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla Sunday criticized the BJP government’s performance in Jammu and Kashmir over the past 11 years, highlighting its failures on various fronts.Bhalla said one of the major concerns is the deliberate delay in granting statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, which has left the people without a legitimate voice in the governance of their own state. The people of J&K are without proper representation in the governance of their state, leading to a lack of accountability and transparency. The delay in granting statehood has also led to economic stagnation, with a lack of investment and development in the region.The misgovernance has also led to social unrest, with people becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress and development in the region, added Bhalla.Bhalla said Congress party demands that the government take immediate action to grant statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that the people of the region have a legitimate voice in the governance of their own state. This will help to address the issues of misgovernance and ensure that the people of J&K receive the benefits of good governance. “The BJP government’s handling of the PoJK refugee issue has been criticized for being deceptive and ineffective. The government has made promises to reclaim PoJK and provide citizenship and fiscal compensation to refugees, but these promises remain unfulfilled as it failed  to implement Congress set and approved package of 9926 crores package for POJK Refugees ensuring nearly 30 lacs per refugee family.”Bhalla pointed out that the government has failed to address the issue of unemployment, leaving thousands of young people without job opportunities. He criticized the government’s lack of investment in infrastructure development, including roads, transportation, and public facilities.Bhalla highlighted the government’s failure to improve the healthcare sector, leaving people without access to quality medical care. He pointed out that the government has failed to increase power generation capacity, leading to frequent power outages and shortages.Bhalla criticized Union government’s failure to establish new industries, leading to a lack of economic growth and job opportunities. Bhalla slammed the government for trying to impose property tax on the people of J&K, adding to their financial burden. He criticized the government’s decision to set up toll plazas, which he said has increased the financial burden on the people. Bhalla opposed the government’s decision to introduce smart meters, which he said has led to increased electricity bills for the people.Bhalla expressed concern over the revival of terrorist activities in the Jammu region, which was previously peaceful. He criticized the government’s failure to maintain law and order, ensuring the safety and security of the people.Bhalla’s remarks highlight the growing discontent among the people of J&K with the BJP government’s performance. The Congress party is determined to highlight these issues and work towards bringing about positive change in the region .Claiming that Kashmir Division has been allotted Rs 1000 crores more than Jammu division in the School Education sector, Bhalla  said that Jammu region was still facing huge discrimination.He said that Jammu Division has been allocated Rs 4474 crore while Kashmir Rs 5439 crore in School Education sector. There is difference of nearly Rs 1000 crores. During previous budget, Jammu division was allotted Rs 4563 crores which indicates that Rs 89 crores less were allotted to Jammu this year while Kashmir division was provided Rs 4931 crores. The funds of Kashmir division were increased by Rs 508 crores and Jammu’s reduced by Rs 98 crores.